Flood in South Africa

Weeks of relentless rainfall triggered widespread flooding across Mozambique and northern South Africa, beginning in late December and intensifying through mid-January.

South Africa’s northern provinces, particularly Limpopo and Mpumalanga, were severely affected, with at least 19 deaths and thousands displaced. The flooding caused rivers to overflow, sweeping away homes, bridges, and roads. Among the reported fatalities was a five-year-old child in Giyani.

Infrastructure damage included destroyed homes, flooded bridges, and rural communities that became inaccessible. Kruger National Park was forced to close, with camps evacuated by helicopter due to washed-out roads and unsafe conditions.

The South African Weather Service issued a Red Level 10 warning, signalling extremely dangerous conditions and the likelihood of further heavy rainfall.